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Rebecca Zahau
• Found hanging, fully suspended, with ankles bound and hands bound behind back
• Long sleeve T‐shirt wrapped loosely around neck
• Based on the autopsy findings,

she was alive when she went over the balcony

Rebecca Zahau
• Neck injuries were consistent with a drop from that height as opposed to “usual” hanging
• No evidence of a struggle or sexual assault and no other significant injuries
• Her feet were dirty consistent with standing on the dirty balcony

Rebecca Zahau
• No toxicological or physical evidence that she was rendered unconscious or incapacitated prior to the hanging.
• Her hand was easily removed from the wrist bindings

Conclusions
She bound her feet, placed the rope and
shirt around her neck, fashioned her wrist
bindings, and secured her hands behind
her backRebecca moved out to the balcony, leaned forward over the rail, and fell

Comment

"...and to further enhance the public's confidence in the integrity of the law enforcement process and finally bring closure to these terrible tragedies, I would respectfully request that you undertake to evaluate the
investigatory methods and conclusions of the San Diego and Coronado authorities in this case."

Comment

For More Information: September 6, 2011
Melissa Aquino
Public Affairs Officer
(858) 974‐2253
There have been numerous inquiries regarding several findings in the autopsy
report on Rebecca Zahau.
The information below is from Dr. Jonathan Lucas, Medical Examiner’s Office:
Sticky material that appeared similar to tape residue was noted on her mid left shin and right
lower leg. These were small areas (about an inch), and their significance is not clear. Their
position and size would have been unusual for evidence of leg binding.Bruises on the right side of her scalp were also seen. These were relatively minor. Because
there was evidence that she went over the balcony in a non‐vertical position, she may have
struck her head on the balcony on the way down.

"...ConclusionsRebecca moved out to the balcony, leaned forward over the rail, and fell (in a NON VERTICAL POSITION.
as if she was bound, gagged and dropped over the rail? In other words, she didn't go voluntarily.)

The T‐shirt that was around her neck had a portion originally in her mouth that was removed by
the person who found her. It is not clear why it was there, although people can place material
in their mouth prior to hanging.Blood was found on her inner thighs and the source was either menses or spotting due to an IUD
(Intrauterine Device). There was no genital trauma. A small amount of blood was also noted on her big toes which appeared to be due to small scratches from the plants below the balcony.

...men·ses (mnsz)
n. The monthly flow of blood and cellular debris from the uterus that begins at puberty and ceases at menopause. Also called catamenia, emmenia, menstrual period. (For the MALES out there.)...

As in any comprehensive investigation, some findings cannot be entirely explained.

None of the observations listed above are inconsistent with the conclusions reached regarding the cause and
manner of death of Rebecca Zahau. Our condolences go out to all of those involved in this
tragic case.
For further inquiries about the autopsy reports on Rebecca Zahau or Max Shacknai, please contact Tammy Glenn at (619) 890‐0778 or[email protected].
# # #
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department is now also on Facebook, Twitter, Nixle and www.sdsheriff.net

VICTIM:Rebecca M. Nalepa (32 year old Asian female)
SUSPECT:Unknown
The following information is fragmentary and has not been completely verified. It isbased, in part, on hearsay and is intended for early information use rather than being a formal investigative report.

This is an update to the earlier press release regarding the death investigation at 1043 Ocean Boulevard. The decedent in the case has been identified as Rebecca Nalepa the girlfriend of the homeowner. Currently, a team of detectives and crime laboratory personnel are processing the scene. The cause and manner of death is pending autopsy.

Comment

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
Homicide Detail
Media Information
SUBJECT: Death Investigation
LOCATION: 1043 Ocean Boulevard
Coronado, Ca.
DATE/TIME: 07-14-11, 10:30 A.M.
VICTIM: Female Adult
SUSPECT: Unknown
The following information is fragmentary and has not been completely verified. It is
based, in part, on hearsay and is intended for early information use rather than being a
formal investigative report.
This is an update on the death investigation that began on Wednesday, July 13, 2011 at 1043 Ocean Boulevard in the City of
Coronado. The victim has been identified as 32 year old Rebecca Nalepa (also known as Rebecca Zahau). Nalepa was staying at the
residence with her boyfriend identified as Dr. Jonah Shacknai. On July 13, 2011 The Coronado Police were investigating a
suspicious death at 1043 Ocean Boulevard in the City of Coronado. At approximately 0648 hours, Units from the Coronado Police
Department went to 1043 Ocean Boulevard in response to a 911 call. The reporting party, later identified as Adam Shacknai told
responding Officers he found Nalepa with a rope around her neck and hanging from a balcony off the main house. When the
Coronado Units arrived at the scene, they located a female adult on the property who appeared to be deceased. The victim’s hands
and feet were bound and she was completely nude. The responding Officers provided medical aid until the Coronado Fire Department
arrived on scene a few moments later and determined the victim to be deceased. The condition of the victim and the scene showed
suspicious circumstances that initiated the response from Coronado Police Department Investigators and in turn, the Sheriff’s
Homicide Detail along with Investigators from the California Department of Justice and the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s
Office. The Sheriff’s Department is conducting this investigation in partnership with the Coronado Police Department. An autopsy is
being conducted this morning by the San Diego County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Sheriff’s Crime Lab is processing numerous
items of evidence and Investigators are questioning several witnesses as well as following other leads. Because of the unique and
bizarre circumstances of this incident, it has yet to be determined if this will become a criminal matter or a death investigation.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Department has a longstanding working relationship with the Coronado Police Department and responding to
assist with such an incident is within normal course.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Homicide Detail at (858) 974-2321/after hours at (858) 565-5200 or
Crime Stoppers at (888) 580-TIPS(8477).Prepared by: Tim Curran, Captain
Homicide Detail (858) 974-2321

Surprise, surprise. As word comes that the second autopsy on the exhumed body of Rebecca Zahau, found hanging in Coronado’s Spreckels mansion, has been completed and analysis is under way, rumors of a possible book deal have surfaced.
(Patrick?)

Anne Bremner, a lawyer hired by Zahau’s family, who remain convinced she didn’t kill herself, has consulted a literary agent. Word on the street is that a crime writer may be commissioned to turn the elusive case into a book.
(Why not a search for the truth, again?)

Bremner, who insists San Diego County officials’ ruling of suicide fails “the smell test,” has a history of turning her cases into media parades and books.

Ann Rule, author of 32 books based on true cases, told ABCNews.com that she recently discussed the possibility of writing a book on the case with Bremner. Seattle literary manager Sharlene Martin also is helping Bremner handle media requests, however, Martin told ABC News a book isn’t currently in the works.
(Follow the money. Did the dude who lost his kid and girlfriend offer any CASH to help Dr. Phil and his quest?)

Perhaps that will hinge on the new autopsy results, reportedly to be disclosed on the “Dr. Phil” show this month.

Report: Dr. Phil offers to pay to exhume body in mansion death
Findings in Shacknai mansion deaths being released
Coronado mansion at center of deaths to be sold

Rebecca Zahau — AP
CORONADO — The family of Rebecca Zahau said Tuesday that a public donation fund will pay for her body to be exhumed for further testing of foul play.

The Sheriff’s Department and county medical examiner ruled Zahau’s hanging death at a historic Coronado mansion a suicide, although her family said they don’t believe she would have killed herself.

“I want to thank for all the support and donation we have received,” Zahau’s sister, Mary Zahau-Loehner, said in a statement Tuesday. “Due to the generosity of the public, we will be able to proceed with exhumation of Rebecca to find the truth of her death.”

The family is working with Dr. Cyril Wecht, a Pittsburgh-based pathologist and attorney often called upon in high-profile cases, to conduct a second autopsy.

Zahau said the findings will be aired on the “Dr. Phil” television show at an unknown date.

RadarOnline.com reported Monday evening that host Dr. Phil McGraw had offered to pay for the process.

A spokesman for the “Dr. Phil” show did not confirm or deny their involvement, but released the following statement Tuesday: “We endorse the family’s effort to search for closure to this terrible tragedy and will stand with them going forward as they navigate through their grieving process.”

Benzodiazepines are classified in the CSA as depressants. Repeated use of large doses or; in some cases, daily use of therapeutic doses of benzodiazepines is associated with amnesia, hostility, irritability, and vivid or disturbing dreams, as well as tolerance and physical dependence. The withdrawal syndrome is similar to that of alcohol and may require hospitalization. Abrupt cessation of benzodiazepines is not recommended and tapering-down the dose eliminates many of the unpleasant symptoms.
Given the millions of prescriptions written for benzodiazepines (about 100 million in 1999), relatively few individuals increase their dose on their own initiative or engage in drug-seeking behavior. Those individuals who do abuse benzodiazepines often maintain their drug supply by getting prescriptions from several doctors, forging prescriptions, or buying diverted pharmaceutical products on the illicit market. Abuse is frequently associated with adolescents and young adults who take benzodiazepines to obtain a "high." This intoxicated state results in reduced inhibition and impaired judgment. Concurrent use of alcohol or other depressant; with benzodiazepines can be life threatening. Abuse of benzodiazepines is particularly high among heroin and cocaine abusers. A large percentage of people entering treatment for narcotic or cocaine addiction also report abusing benzodiazepines. Alprazolam and diazepam are the two most frequently encountered benzodiazepines on the illicit market.

By CHRISTINA CARON (@cdcaron)Sept. 7, 2011
Rebecca Zahau, found naked, bound and hanging at a Coronado, Calif., mansion, may have been the victim of a ritualistic killing, a forensic psychologist told ABCNews.com today.

The bedroom near the balcony where Zahau was reportedly found hanging appeared "staged," said Maurice Godwin, who has a Ph.D. in criminal psychology and runs a forensic consultancy business in Fayetteville, N.C.

"This death has many hallmarks of a ritualistic killing," he said. "I think someone assaulted her physically. I think she was dazed, and they bound her."

Zahau allegedly used black paint to write the words "she saved him can you save her" on a bedroom door near the balcony where she was found hanging.

Godwin, who has been investigating crime scenes for 15 years, believes the black paint, which was also found on Zahau's breasts, collarbone and hands has a "ritualistic overtone."

The odd circumstances of Zahau's death, including the red rope tied around her ankles and wrists, as well as the autopsy report detailing hemorrhages, bruises, and blood on the body of 32-year-old Zahau, have raised several questions among forensics experts.

"It's the entirety [of the case] that's troubling. And I think to write it off as a suicide, it's premature," said Dr. Lawrence Kobilinsky, a DNA expert and forensic scientist who heads the Department of Sciences at the City University of New York's John Jay College of Criminal Justice.

According to both Kobilinsky and Godwin, the injuries as described

in the autopsy report suggest "a substantial blow to the head."

"There are four hemorrhages in four different positions," Kobilinsky said. "When you see these kinds of scalp hemorrhages you have to explain them."

Godwin concurred, adding, "The chances of bumping into the railing, going over the balcony and hitting your head four times is highly unlikely."

On Tuesday San Diego medical examiner Dr. Jonathan Lucas issued a statement to respond to press inquiries about the autopsy report. With regard to the hemorrhages, he said, "Because there was evidence that she went over the balcony in a non-vertical position, she may have struck her head on the balcony on the way down."

"When the body first dropped, she doesn't necessarily jump to her death, so she would drop directly downward and she could easily hit against the side of the structure from which she is hanging," he said.

Even so, he admits it's not a cut and dried case.

"I would love to see a picture of the body before the removal of the wrist bindings," he said.

The autopsy revealed blood on Zahau's legs, as well as bruises and tape residue. It also showed that part of a T-shirt had been in Zahau's mouth. The medical examiner said the blood could have been either from a menstrual period or an intrauterine device, but could not explain the significance of the tape residue or T-Shirt.

"As in any comprehensive investigation, some findings cannot be entirely explained," Lucas wrote in Tuesday's statement.

Rebecca Zahau Death Raises Questions

Anne Bremner, the lawyer representing Zahau's family, told ABCNews.com that Zahau had painted as a hobby, but the message on the bedroom door didn't match Zahau's handwriting.

Police never saw Zahau hanging because Zahau's body was cut down by Adam Shacknai, the brother of Zahau's boyfriend Jonah Shacknai who owned the mansion.

This week Lt. Larry Nesbit of the San Diego Sheriff's homicide unit told ABCNews.com, "Adam was interviewed and we found and confirmed that all of the statements he gave to us were truthful."

Zahau had been dating pharmaceutical mogul Jonah Shacknai for more than two years. Friends and family said they seemed happy together, and Zahau had been especially fond of her boyfriend's son, Max.

The 6-year-old was seriously injured two days before Zahau died after he fell down the stairs at the historic Spreckels mansion where they were staying. He died six days later and police eventually ruled his death an accident.

Investigators believe Zahau killed herself, in part, because she learned Max was not expected to live on July 13, the day she was reportedly found hanging.

"I'll be the first to admit this is not a clear cut case one way or another," Kobilinsky said. "But if you don't know, you just don't call it."
Last Edited on 7-Sep-2011 4:07 PM

Comment

Ms Nalepa was found by Mr Shacknai's brother, Adam, who was staying in the mansion's guesthouse to offer support after Max's accident.

The millionaire had told investigators he was holding a desperate vigil by his son's bedside at the time of Miss Nalepa's death.

offer support after Max's accident.he was holding a desperate vigil by his son's bedside at the time of Miss Nalepa's death.Adam Shacknai was the only other person identified as being on the property when Zahau died.

offer support after Max's accident.he was holding a desperate vigil by his son's bedside at the time of Miss Nalepa's death.Adam Shacknai was the only other person identified as being on the property when Zahau died.

offer support after Max's accident.he was holding a desperate vigil by his son's bedside at the time of Miss Nalepa's death.Adam Shacknai was the only other person identified as being on the property when Zahau died.

offer support after Max's accident.he was holding a desperate vigil by his son's bedside at the time of Miss Nalepa's death.Adam Shacknai was the only other person identified as being on the property when Zahau died.

Comment

"...she was alive when she went over the balcony..."
(Did she even go over the balcony? Was she unconscious when she went over the balcony, if that's how it went down?
A slip knot around her neck and a super fancy rope trick attached to the bed? Sounds as if one person KNEW something about ropes and knots, while the other was a simpleton with a slip knot. My kind of knot. I was never a boy scout or had access to sail boats. Perhaps the know was one used with horses.

With all of the planning, shouldn't there be a trail of footprints back in forth from the balcony to the bedroom or was she so good she GUESSED the correct length of rope from the beginning?
Ya might want to measure the piece of rope left hanging around her neck. It may be too long or just long enough to jump off the table down below to finish the job.
Shouldn't there be a hyper extension of the neck with a fall of that distance?
Depending upon where the knot was, of course. Decapitation?)

"...LE states 'no sign of a struggle, on Rebecca's body', but, she had 4 subgaleal injuries to her head, and numerous bruises to her body. Injuries to her neck, common in strangulations, but uncommon is falling 9 feet to hang oneself at Rebecca's weight..."

Long Drop
This process, also known as the measured drop, was introduced to Britain in 1872 by William Marwood as a scientific advancement to the standard drop. Instead of everyone falling the same standard distance, the person's height and weight[7] were used to determine how much slack would be provided in the rope so that the distance dropped would be enough to ensure that the neck was broken, but not so much that the person was decapitated.

The careful placement of the eye or knot of the noose (so that the head was jerked back as the rope tightened) contributed to breaking the neck predictably.

Prior to 1892, the drop was between four and ten feet (about one to three metres), depending on the weight of the body, and was calculated to deliver a force of 1,260 lbf (5,600 newtons or 572 kgf), which fractured the neck at either the 2nd and 3rd or 4th and 5th cervical vertebrae.

However, this force resulted in some decapitations, such as the famous case of "Black Jack" Tom Ketchum in New Mexico Territory in 1901. Between 1892 and 1913, the length of the drop was shortened to avoid decapitation.)

According to Nemeth, Zahau used black paint to write a short message on the door leading to a bedroom. Nemeth said Zahau tied a red rope to a bed in that room, placed the rope around her neck and used sections of the same rope to bind her feet and ankles -- the rope going around her extremities four or five times.
She then went out to a balcony and leaned forward over a railing, falling 9 feet to her death, Nemeth said.
(Can you say SEVERE NECK TRAUMA, unless she was hanged from the ground and the table was used by her killers.)

"...a short message on the door leading to a bedroom....
"She saved him
Can you save her."
...my interpretation of the note...

(Who saved whom and who needed to be saved? Sounds as if the "she" and "her" are referring to Zahau, not the person who painted the note? Why was a doctored photo released of the door? Somebody trying to hide the truth again? If it was a suicide and you are confident in your results, "SHOW ME THE MONEY", all of it. NO CENSORSHIP or expect a visit from the "Occupy Crew". Money talks and I'm walkin'. Oakland represent!!! We Respect!!!

Did Zahau save Max and now she needed to be saved from hanging? Was Max saved from child abuse? Were all of the marks on his body from the fall? Anybody count the quantity of marks on this child's body? Believe it or not, I DO care about kids and care much less for adults. I will ask the questions you shy away from.

Did Zahau save Jonas and now he needed to save her?

Makes perfect sense to those who don't wish to spend any MONEY or energy searching for the truth. Dudes worth billions and he doesn't think there's something fishy and willing to spend any HIS CASH to find out exactly what happened to his girlfriend. Odd? Donations? I don't have money, so I can't relate. Anybody?)

Authorities said Zahau painted the following message in black paint on the outside of the guest bedroom door leading to the balcony: “She saved him, can you save her.” Black paint was found on her torso and fingers.

Comment

When Zahau's naked body was found hanging from the mansion's balcony with her ankles and wrists bound, investigators were quick to say they weren't ruling out suicide.
(Hey cops, what percentage of suicides have their hands and feet bound BEHIND their bodies? Hey cops, how long does a DEAD body LIE EXPOSED BEFORE a sheet or a tarp is placed over it? All freaking day? Can you say DISRESPECT?
Somebody needs to be held accountable, AGAIN, but I'm not holding my breath.
When they found out who the obvious and only suspect would be, it suddenly became a suicide?)

"There's no evidence of a struggle or sexual assault," Lucas said of the investigation into Zahau's death.
(Any evidence of a person being unconscious? Would an unconscious person put up a struggle? Wouldn't the person who cut the body down leave prints and DNA somewhere? On the knife, rope? Didn't find Westerfield's fingerprints or DNA at the crime scene or with the body and yet he was found guilty?

Did anybody MATCH the blood on Rebecca's body to her? How thorough was this shoddy investigation?
NO WAY, this is YOUR book Patrick. I only like to write book titles.)

(If she was LOWERED down and not allowed to drop, that could help explain things.
"Impressions of her feet and toes right next to each other on the dust covering the balcony, dust being wiped away from an 11-inch section of the railing, and the bed being pulled away from the wall, all helped lead to their conclusion, he said. Two knives used to cut the rope were found in the room.
(One for the person tying the slip knot and another knife for the person tying the rope to the bed? This certainly WAS PREMEDITATED, wasn't it, whether suicide or murder? What GLOVES were impounded and did they check INSIDE the gloves for DNA evidence? How often does a person committing suicide use GLOVES?)

Comment

Investigators said there was no sign of a struggle, either on Zahau’s body or at the scene, and that there was no evidence of her being drugged or sedated.
(Toxicology report?)

According to the autopsy report, bruises were found on the right side of her scalp, and some small abrasions were on her forehead. Lucas said Tuesday that the wounds were “relatively minor” and possibly came from her striking her head as she fell from the balcony.
(Or her head being struck BEFORE she went over the balcony.)